he had done before with ten thousand men whom he would divide as necessitie should require and thus they ordered their business So let us leave them there untill the next morning when we shall see how things were carried CHAP. XX. Of the aid that came to the Enemies and of the great Fleet of Christians which came to raise the Seige at Constantinople THe Pagans being retired as you have heard were very sad for their great loss for they had either killed or wounded the number of fiftie thousand men But two things comforted them the one was the certaine hope to take the towne and to sack and pillage it and put all within it to the Sword and so revenge themselves for the death of their friends the other was that Pintiquinestra Queen of the Amazons came to their aid accompanied with six thousand women as good warriours as could be possible And Grifilan King of the Savage Island with five thousand Savages bearing bowes and arrowes which they could use singularly well These two the King and Queen neighbours to one another hearing of the great preparations made by the Levant Princes to invade the Empire of Constantinâ—ple came especially to trie themselves against some Christian Knights who were bruited to be so valiant The King Armato and those of his host kindely welcomed them and they continually discoursed to them the assaults that they had made that day And they so much bragged that they told them the Towne had been taken had it not been for the night wherefore then the King Grifilan and the Queen were much grieved they had not made more haste But they therefore desired of Armato that they might give the first assault to the Town on the morrow which he soon granted to them On the other side they in the Towne laboured to fortifie themselves resolving to keep the Towne with their lives from those at whose hands they expected no mercy So soon as day came the King and Queen went strait to the breach where the Pagans had the day before entred the Town and making a hideous cry according to their custome they ran upon the Rampart But the Archers that were in the breach so well entertained them that many Savages and women lost their lives there in cruell manner nevertheless that did not stop them for they ran on straight to the place where Lisvart the Knight of the Sphere Argamont and the rest attended them the Queen Pintiginestra being willing to shew her renowned Prowesse ran on the first and combated with the Knight of the Sphere but she had like to have been thrown down had it not been for the aid of her women who came on so fast that the Christians were forced to fall back and the Amazons cried out the Town is won But Argamont Lisvart and the Knight of the Sphere and the rest of the forces comming forwards made them leave that they had conquered In the meane time Armato and the Califfs who assailed the other part of the Towne were not sparing of their persons but used their utmost indeavor to storme it but they found the Princes Saluder and Brandalie more active then they expected in such manner that more then ten thousand Pagans lay dead in the place Neverthelesse for the space of three quarters of an houre it could not well be judged who should have the best for two Taborlanes brought thither fresh men and the Souldan of Alape came thither in person with fortie thousand men who came so resolutely that they had well nigh conquered the place Which the Emperor knowing sent aid thither presently and this which did most hurt them was the great store of pitch faggots Sulphure boiling water and Salt peeter that the wall was all on fire wherefore they were forced to retire and let the flame take its course Behold how the poore City was distressed by Land and much more by Sea when the watch of the King of Bugie discovered in the way of the Defended Mountaine a puissant Armie at Sea sayling directly towards them of which they came presently to informe those who assailed the Port. Wherefore the King of Giloffe sent forth a Brigantine to goe see who this might be And doubting it to be some aid to their enemies they retired from the Combate and keeping their vessels in forme of battel they marched towards the Pontique Sea to the end that they might defend the entrance of the Gulph if they should think fit The Brigantine did what lay in its power to carry certaine tidings and tarried a long time without appearing at all and it had so good fortune that a little ship of Christians which thought to land to geâ— fresh water fell into her hands Wherefore turning saile she carried this Vessell into the place from whence she â—â—me and by the Master of the ship they knew that the Army of the Christians were neere and purposed to come raise the Seâ—ge at Conflantinople and give their enemies battell before they should compasse the meanes to retreat This news did not a jot dishearten or astonish the King of Bugie but he asked if there were many Sir answered the Master yes more then you think for And of what Countrie said the King Some of Gaule said he others of Rome of Sobradise of Spaine of great Britaine of Ireland of Scotland of Norway Sansuegue Bohemia Mongoze Suâ—â—e and Thesefame Truly said the King a faire company Sir said the Master a few dayes since the Emperor of Trebisond and the Kings of Californus and Sibernie have joyned with us and I can assure you that he who hath not seen this company of Ships cannot boast of seeing the fairest sight in the world When the Kings of â—ugie and Giloffe had heard this discourse and that it was requisite diligently to provide for it they gave notice thereof unto the King Armato and the other Souldans of their Host advising that seeing the enemy was so strong and so neer them they should leave the straights of Pontus and keep the Goulfe of Propontide as well to have provisions more easily from Natolia as to defend themselves more commodiously Thus the news of the arivall of the Christians did quickly spread abroad amongst those who did assaile Constantinople For which cause being surprized with a marvellous feare the most assured began to lose heart and by little and little to retire out of the Presse Which the Princes of the Army perceiving they caused a Retreat to be founded and so retired unto their Fort. Those of the Towne being much abashed at these passages could not at the first tell what to think untill that a Citizen who watched at one of the highest steeples came to informe the Emperor that towards the way of the Defended Mountaine the Sea was covered with Vessels comming with full sailes directly towards the City and that without doubt the Kings of Bugie and Giloffe with their ships and furniture were entred into the Gulf going to Natolia I leave
doubtful and I would to God that this which you tell me were more true then I think it to be for I fear the worst Madam said Griliana as you are a great Princesse you ought to be more perfect then simple maids who are commonly less endued with Constancie and Magnanimity of Courage then they who have the title of daughters to a King or great Princes therefore be comforted for if the Letters of Melia are such as I think them you may be very much blamed in doing thus as you doe and afterwards you may consider of it with repentance Griliana knew so well how to give her so many reasons that from thenceforth she carried her sadnesse with more modestie then she had begun And in the meane time the Emperor consulted about the Army that he should raise to goe to the aid of Constantinople the which was retarded until the return of the Duke of Ortilensa who dislodged that very same day and marched so long with his Army that he encamped within a dayes Journey of the town of Autrusque Of which the King of Breigne being advertised he raised the Seige and accompanied with an Army of fifteen thousand horsemen and twentie thousand foot he marched directly to fight him Dardarie who was besieged had news of this in short time and for that cause leaving a good garrison in the Town he marched on the flancks of his enemy as well to hinder him from provisions as to be in the battel if the Duke of Ortilensa should give him battel CHAP. VIII How the Duke of Ortilensa gave battel to the King of Breigne and of what happened thereupon THe Duke of Ortilensa with his Army marched so far into the Countrie against the King of Breigne that they had soone tidings by their Scouts of one another what they purposed to enterprise which was to meet one another and give battel And for this cause the King of Breigne raised his Seige and came hastily against his enemy who not being willing to be surprized or otherwise circumvented he ordered his battel as you shall presently hear To Floreston and Galuanes he gave the Van-guard with four thousand horsemen and eight thousand footmen and he had the maine battel for himselfe and the Earle of Alastra a Gentle Knight which consisted of three thousand horsemen and six thousand chosen souldiers leaving for the Rear-guard three thousand Souldiers and other six thousand adventurers gentle Companions for whose Leader he ordained Parmenir and Alarin of Ortilensa his son to whom the Emperor of Trebisond had given the order of Knighthood the day before he took his leave of him And in this equipage they marched by little and little neer to the King of Breigne who had likewise divided his Army into three Squadrons The first was led by Groter his Son The second by himself and the third by the Duke of Alinga Thus they lodged within two miles of a little Village where the Duke of Ortilensa staid and setting a good watch for all that night they did not disturbe one another untill the next morning when they dislodged And the King sent word to the Duke by a Trumpet that before noone was passed he would make him to know that he had too rashly enterprized to come seek him The Trumpet arived at the Camp of his enemy at the same time that their Captain was in the midst of them exhorting them in general and particular of what they ought to doe and the better to move them to fight he set before their eyes the treason of of the King who having falsified his faith was entred into armes against his Prince and Leige Lord. But so soone as he had seen the Trumpet and had known the cause of his coming he sent him back with this answer Trumpet say to thy Master that if he were as well endued with Loialty as he is with pride and presumption I should account him one of the gentlest Knights in the world But because it is impossible to excuse him of his treason against his natural Prince I have such assurance of his threats that with Gods help before the houre that he sends me I shall have him at my mercy At that time Florestan was present when the Duke made him this answer and as the Trumpet was about to returne the way he came he called him back and said to him Trumpet tell thy Master that if the Duke had knowne my will he should have made no answer for a person taxed with treason as he was did not deserve the speech of so wise a man And if he inquires who I am tell him that I am called Florestan a strange Knight and am resolved to break his pate this day being a mortal enemy to all such wicked men as he is The Trumpet told him that he would obey his commands and took special notice of what Coat of Armes Florestan had on it being of an azure turquin colour embroider'd with flowers of Gold Then he made haste away and went to the King to whom he faithfully related all which you have heard at which he was so greatly angered that he presently sent to his son to advance and march forwards with the Van-guard And so in less then an houres space the two Armles came so neere together that they were within a Lance push when Groter sent a Herald to aske for Florestan who presently appeared to know what he would have with him Sir said the Herald Groter the Captaine of this Troop being the son of the King of Breigne desires to know whither or no you are endowed with as much valor at with injurious speeches and for that cause he earnestly desires that before the two battels doe join he and you may have one single combate My friend said Florestan let him then withdraw his forces as I will doe mine and let him come so soone as he will to finde perhaps that which he shall not hereafter looke for So the Herald tarried not to carry this news to Groter for which cause Florestan on the one part and he on the other left their guards and couching their Lances Groter wounded Florestans horse on the shoulder But Florestan hit him so lively that piercing his Sheild and Halbert the Iron went into his body that through paine he was forced to leave his saddle and measure his length on the ground And as he had ended his course thinking to turne his horse to performe his enterprise the beast being very much wounded died between his legs in such manner that he found himselfe on his feet wherefore he soone laid his hand on his Sword and coming neer to Groter who likewise got on his feet there began between them two a most dangerous combate For they were gentle Knights and of so good heart that Groter said to him in derition so loud that many did hear him By God Knight of the flowers if I have as bad luck with the Sword as I have had with the
Lance I shall be a good man to day instead of a better And this word pleased Florestan so well that for a long time after he caused himselfe to be called by that name which his enemy had given him then Nevertheless he did not make him any answer but laying fast hold on his Sheild be endeavored with utmost power to vanquish his enemy but if he did so his enemy did the like in such manner that every body did admire how they could hold out so long Groter wondred how his enemy could make so long resistance wherefore lifting up his sword and with all his strength thinking to take his enemy at advantage he gave him so great ablow that if Florestan had not allayed the 〈◊〉 of it with his shield his life had been in very great danger Wherefore being determined to reveng himselfe he lifted up his armes and as Groter endeavoured to pluck the sword from the place it was entred Florestan wounded him so deeply on the head that he fell down dead the blood runing downe his face which the Breignians seeing they marched directly against their Enemies and so the two Armies joyned together neverthelesse Florestan was first remounted Then began the heat of all the Battail for there dyed on both parts more then two thousand men At this first charge Galuanes and one of the Kings Conzens broke their Lanoes on one another but Galuanes thrust his Lance into his Enemies body The King who led the Battell seeing his Van-guard discomfited and ready to turne their backs he advanced with his Battell and the Duke of Ortilensa did the like and also the Reare guards on both sides There might you have seene many good Knights thrown to the ground 〈◊〉 and as many Foot-men wounded and killed which was a most pittifull thing to behold Galuanes Florestan and Parmenir ranged about the field and they met not any but they went under the edge of their Swords The Duke of Ortilensa and his Sonne were not in the meane time idle but did performe memorable deeds of Armes And on the other side the King of Breigne and the Earle of Aligne Captaine of his Reare-guard shewed well wheresoever they went that their Armes were not idle The Earl of Alastra met the Earl of Alingas sonne and with one blow with his Lance he sent his soule from body which his Father seeing He and ten Knights of his charged on the Earle who being encompassed on all sides was disarmed and borne downe to the Earth But Florestan came there with a good Troop and remounted him by force not without great slaughter for there was no place throughout the whole Army where there was more blood shee l The Earl of Alinge gave Florestan such a great blow that his eyes sparkled of which he soone after revenged himselfe knocking him to the ground with one blow of a Mace Then those of the King of Breignes Party came hastily to succour him and the Duke of Ortilensaos party came to take him Prisoner Then the Conflict began in such manner that the Horses were up to the Pastorns in blood And as these two Armies were thus a striving for the Victory the Duke of Dardary who had followed the Breignians all night with his Troop seeing so fit a time to imploy himselfe came upon the flanck and gave them such an Alarum that from that time they began by little and little to faint At this time the King of Breigue was joyned with the Duke of Ortilensa thinking to revenge the injury he had done him calling him Traytor but the ill fell on himself and he lay there dead For as hee traversed throw the Battell striking on every fide and performing deeds worthy to a Prince by fortune he met the Duke whom he called to the Combate the which the other refused not although he were very old And to say the truth the party had beene ill maintained without the arivall of Florestan who soone adventured his person to the succour of the Father of his Ladie who had by love taken him Captive For which cause he â—ushed in between them and with one blow he so wounded the King that he separated his soule from his body at which his Souldiers were so affrâ—ghted that as well through this occasion as for the arivall of the Duke of Dardarie they fled leaving the hopes of their lives to some adjoyning Woods where they might save themselves But their Enemies did slaughteâ— so many that they were forced to be content to pardon their lives being weary with fighting and killing them By this means the Duke of Ortilensa won the field who received the Duke of Dordary with great joy and at that instant they sent a Gentleman towards the Emperour to whom they sent woâ—d of the good fortune that God had been pleased to bestow on them But now it is time to turne our course where we have left Lisvart and the Infanta Onolerea and her sister Gricilerea they being both in great sorrow for the absence and losse of those whom they had chosen for their Lovers as you have formerly heard CHAP. IX How Lisvart was led to Melia the Sorceresse and of the bad entertainment and ill usage she gave him YOu have already heard the sorrow and sadnesse which the Infanta Onolerea made as well for the Letter which Melia the Sorceresse sent by the Dwarfe to the Emperour as for the absence of Lisvart to whom she was so affectionate Now I thinke seasonable to let you know who she was that led him and the occasion why she used this deceit Know then that the enterprize of the fixty seven Pagan Kings upon the City and Empire of Constantinople was divulged in so many places that the King of the Giant Island purposed to be of the number not for any ill which he wished to the Emperour but to the end that one onely Daughter which he had might learn of Melia part of the skill for which she was so renowned and therefore he would carry her thither and present her to her This Damsell of whom I speake was so excellent in beauty that there was no woman in all the adjoyning Isles that could equall her and her name was Gradafilea So the King of the Giant Island departed from his owne Country and carryed his Daughter with him being accompanied with two thousand Knights with whom he travelled so long that at last he came to King Armatâ— and Melia of whom he was kindly welcomed especially of the Sorceresse Melia who seeing the perfect beauty of Gradafilea she purposed to put that soone into execution which she had a long time before projected which was the taking of Lisvart And to come to the point this was Gradafilea who led him from the Court of the Emperour of Trebisond as you have already heard And to say truely Melia could not have found amessenger so fit to execute such treason for she was such a one as I have told you and as
well spoken as any Damsell of her time for which cause it was easie to make him believe her and obey her Know then that the occasion which moved Melia to wish this young Prince so much harm was because she knew for certain by her damnable and divelish art that he would be the ruine of the Pagans and a sure Rampart to all Thâ—ace to hinder which she sent Gradafilea into Tsebisend to th' end she might bring him thither but she hid from her her resolution which was to kill him soon after which God would not permit but rendred this Damsel so affectionate towards him and so taken with his love that day and night she thought of nothing more then how shee might gaine him and make him her husband And thus they journied so long together that they arived at the Camp of the King Armato and untill then Lisvart did not know unto what part he was led So the King was very joyfull at his arivall for he had understood of Melia the danger whereinto the Pagans should fall if he lived And as Gradafilea did present him to him Cruell Melia being impatient arived who caused him presently to be taken by four villaines and putting a great chain of Iron about his neck she said to him wicked villaine now you shall have the order which you deserve afterwards I will lodge you in a place where I will answer for you when I please Lisvart being greatly astonished at this entertainment looked on Gradafilea with a pittifull eye and could not forbeare saying thus to her Truly Damsell I never thought treason could be harboured with so great beauty wherewith you are endewed but seeing that disloyalty is so familiar there where it should be strangest I will never trust any creature where I am not better acquainted So Gradafilea could not answer him one word for she was so much greved at his ill usage that she could willingly have been dead for she loved him with all her heart Wherefore seeing that she could not succour him unlesse it were by entreaty crying tenderly she cast her selfe downe at the feet of Armato and said to him Sir I humbly entreat of you that he who hath confided in me may receive no injury for you will doe me wrong and I may justly be accused of treason which never happened to any other of my Linage But the King turned his head on one side and without answering he commanded to imprison Lisvart and that hee should be put in the furthest part of the Dungeon Sir said she I will never depart from your feet if you consent to such an out-rage at least doe me this pleasure that his person be in an honest place and without being chained as a Rogue otherwise assure your selfe that I will complaine of you all my life and in all places wheresoever I shall come And as she was in these vehement passions her Father arived who being abashed to see his Daughter so sad and the injury which was done to him that had followed her he was not afraid but freely spake his mind for which cause Armato fearing to anger him agreed to his Daughters request although said he this be contrary to all reason for if you or she should know of what importance the death of this Rascal is you would both give judgement of death against him So Lisvart was unchained and put into a strong Tower of which Melia kept the Key and besides she appointed thirty Knights for his guard of which fifteen watched untill mid-night and the rest untill day So God give him patience and provide for him otherwise his death is near as we shall recite in the following Chapters But first know that the Gentleman sent from the Duke of Ortilensa to the Emperour arived at Trebisond and related to him at large the Battell that had been between his Army and that of the King of Breigne and the death of Him and his Sonne and lastly the totall defeat of his Enemies For which the Emperour greatly praised our Lord and for the great care which he had he caused it to be often times related by the Messenger even before the Ladies and believe me he did not forget the great deeds of Armes and prowesses of Florestan Galuanes and Parmenir If then Griâ—ianâ— and Bridelenâ— were well pleased doe not doubt they loved these Knights as their owne proper soules And for this cause being retyred into the Chamber of Onolerea they began a debate between them for pleasure who was the best loved and this they did to please the Infanta who ever since the losse of Lisvart ceased not to grieve Their debate lasted so long that at the last Bridelena being more pleasure then any of the rest tooke a Pillow and being of a light heart threw it at the head of Griliana saying to her My Knight loves me best and I will prove it with the blow of my Mall Griliana tooke another and this Combate began so fierce that it forced the melancholick to laugh for there was not a Pillow that was not thrown without great laughter Then being out of breath Gricilerea went betweene them and so this tourney ended therefore we will leave them to rest and so will returne to Perion of Gaule of whom we have been silent so long CHAP. X. How Perion of Gaule surnamed the Knight of the Sphere met the Infanta Tiriaxa and of the many faire adventures which happened to him YOu may remember that we formerly left Perion with Languines Abies of Ireland and the three crossed Knights refreshing themselves in the Arbor which had beene made by the Apes being Pilots and Leaders of the Barque of Asquefa Now then prosecuting our History as these Knights related their passed fortunes Perion asked of Talanque if he heard any news of Garinter and his brother who had been made Knights by the hand of Esplandian as you have heard in the fifth Book and afterwards they passed into the Island of Galifurnus Sir answered he we have now left him in hard and strong war against a certaine King and my neer Neighbour and they have already conquered many faire places from him And what adventures then brought you in these Marches Quoth Perion No other answered Talanque but the renowne of this Fountaine where it is reported there doth ordinarily happen marvellous and strange adventures and although that it was our intention to return presently to Galifurnus we will not now depart so soon from you seeing that God and fortune hath caused us to meet I like this well said he you will doe me a pleasure for I cannot depart from this place until she who brought me hither cometh againe to finde me and so I have promised her but she being returned I will so far prevaile with her that I will follow her or she shall give me leave to goe with you And as he spake these words he perceived a Hart greatly wounded followed by a Gentleman having a horne about his neck very
Damsell to whom he said that through her means alone he was then alive For said he it was she and none other that delivered me out of the hands of cursed Melia. For which cause there was none in the Company that did not respect her and her Father whose Horse was brought then they all mounting did ride to the Tent of Amadis where they alighted But they had hardly put their feet to the ground when Alquefa arived who addressing her selfe to the Emperour of Constantinople entreated him kindly on the behalfe of Oriana to bring Lisvart and the King of the Giant Island to the City for she would have Mrs. Elizabeth to look to their wounds and she likewise desired to see Gradafilea and Queene Pintiquinestra which all the Lords present consented to Wherefore they accompanied her unto the City where they were royally welcomed And all the Kings wounds were dangerous yet Mrs. Elizabeth lookt to them so well that he began to be well in few dayes after CHAP. XXVI How the Pagan Princes after they had beene so illy handled sent to the Christian Princes to demand truce who refused them and of which happened THe Pagans Army was much troubled seeing Atmirix of Liquie dead and the King of the Giant Island out of their power wherefore knowing that there was no remedy they entred into Counsell Where it was concluded to send to the Christians to aske truce for fifteen dayes wherein they might make the deceased Kings Funerall and send their bodies into Asia to be buried Wherefore they dispatched Embassadors for that purpose who came to Amadis who having known the reason of their embassage enformed the other Princes thereof who would not say any thing untill he had declared his judgement wherefore being forced thereunto he said thus It is very certain sir that this wicked people are come into this Country more to offend true Religion and the faith of Jesus Christ then the Country of Thrace and Consiantinople wherefore I think that we should not hearken to them in any such request and that rather we go to find them out and fight them and drive them to the furthest parts of Tartaria And if it be objected that they are great in number I say that they are most of them weak in body and much disheartned and which is more we fight for the faith of Jesus Christ in whose power are all Victories and therefore we shall be sure to vanquish them This opinion was approved of by all Wherefore the Emperour of Trebisond gave this answer Sirs Ambassadors we will have no truce with you but if you do not depart before to morrow we will drive you out and thus you must enform those who sent you This news pleased them not and it did lesse please the Princes of the Army for they had in the former assaults lost the chief of their Souldiers and the rest were much discouraged Wherefore the Captaines of the Army resolved to try their fortunes once againe before they should be more diminished and therefore they gave order to the Souldiers to be ready by Sun rising to go fight their enemies But they were not so secret but the Emperour of Constantinople heard thereof by his Spics and therefore told the other Princes thereof that they might be ready In the mean time those that had been wounded were recovered and their forces were ordered in this manner The Emperour of Constantinople had the guard of the Town accompanied with Quedragant King Arban of Norwales Angrot and Estrevaux Bruner son to the Giant Balan and Gasquiles King of Suesse with a number of footmen And as for the rest of the Army they mustred together in one squadron except the King Don Florestan and the Emperour of Rome who had thirty thousand Horsemen and sixty thousand Footmen to go on the Enemies Baggage and to put them in disorder if they could And as for the Sea the King Norandell the Earls Frandalo and Plastre followed by the Duke of Ortilensa with their Furniture who found the means to surprize the Kings of Bugie and Gilâ—ffâ— who were come into Thrace to hinder the Christians Army from going further but it fell out far otherwise as you shall hear CHAP. XXVII Of the cruell Battaile that was between the Christians and Pagans as well by Sea as by Land and of that which happened YOu have not long since heard how the Christians ordered their affaires but the Turks and other Lords of the Levant were not in the meane time idle but by the advice of the Souldan of Persia they counselled that about midnight their souldiers should set forwards secretly Wherefore they diligenty provided for all â—hings necessary And the King of Jerusalem followed by five other Kings and Califs with a hundred thousand fighting men had the charge of scaling the wall So they likewise sent to their Sea Army and gave order to them that so soone as they should see a Signall of fire they should affaile the Christians sleet but if the worst should happen on their part they should remaine on the Coast of Thrace whereby they might save their men But they did not give the onset untill the day break But if they had they would have found the Christians ready In the meane time Yrguion son to Gandelin whom Perion of Gaule had brought from great Britaine to serve him as an Esquire presented him before Amadis and being armed at all points said to him Sir I am son to Gandalin your ancient servant I humbly intreat you to give me honour of Chivalrie seeing that it is impossible as I think that at a better time I can enter into armes being the day of the Conflict Amadis had never before seen him neverthelesse when he knew who he was he welcommed him for his fathers sake And sent for his father and in his presence gave him the order in so reasonable a time that he had hardly remounted on horseback when the Enemies marched a great pace towards them And at their first meeting their Lances breaking in peeces on their armour made such a noise and the continuall flames of fire as was a pitifull thing to behold and more especially to heare the complaints of those that were wounded some on their heads and on their armes some on their bodies as it was their ill fortunes Amadis Esplandian Perion and Lisvart threw foure Kings dead to the ground at the first onset and entring into the battaile being followed by many good Knights performed marvels And there was killed at the first onset on both sides more then thirtie thousand persons There the Knights of the Sphere and of the true Crosse triumphed for before they laid hands on their Swords they disarmed fifteen Pagans of the bravest of the Army The two Queenes Calafea and Pintiquinestra did as well behave themselves slashing and throwing to ground all those that they mâ—et in their way when Amadis saw five Giants amongst others whom King Grifflant had caused to come
from his Countrie for the safety of his person but they did him but little service as you have heard These five Devils gave never a blow but death followed at which Amadis being angred he went with Galaor Florestan Argamont and Ardadile Canile who having all recovered new Lances ran upon the Giants and broke their Lances in them without moving them in their saddles The slaughter was great on both sides for Amadis being followed by ten or twelve thousand french horse men was charged by the Souldans of Babylon and Alape who had more then thirtie thousand Turks and Tartarians And as Amadis followed on in all diligence an old man having a white beard down to his girdle staid him and said roughly to him King Amadis leave this Chase and goe aid thy Children if thou wilt not loose them seeing they are well nigh defeated He had hardly pronounced these words when he vanished wherefore Amadis being a bashed cast his eyes on all sides and saw Gandalin who carried his Ensigne so torne that the greatest part was hardly sufficient to cover his head and after him was Yrguian his son doing such deeds of Armes that he this day got as much houour as any new Knight within ten yeares time had done So Amadis drew neer to them to know newes of what he sought but Yrguian taking him and shewing him the Knight of the Sphere and Lisvart said to him Sir let us goe and aid them which you see in such dangers Follow me then answered he And spurring of his horse making his passage with his Sword he met Galaor the King Cildadan Quedragant son of Quedragant Talanque Garinter and many other Knights to whom he said in passing by Lords for Gods sake let us aid Perion and Lisvart who are beset Saying so he went forwards and for all the Pagans resistance he joyned with them neverthelesse before they arived there Lisvart and Perions horses were slaine under them and the Queens Calafea and Pintiquinestra were thrown downe and brought to great extremity Nevertheless they had found the meanes to help themselves and they foure fought on foot so valiantly that neither Turke nor Arabian dare approach neere them without the help of ten Giants who came to enclose them with whom they had so much to doe that at the time that Amadis arived they were well nigh spent who sceing his Children in such danger he was so inraged that laying aside all feare of death he entred Pell-Mell amongst their Giants so that foure of them were slaine at that houreâ— And in the conclusion he and his had the worst by reason of the arivall of the Souldan of â—ersâ—â— who was well accompanied and began to have the better had it not been for the arivall of the Kings Cildâ—dâ—n Bruneâ— Gatuâ—te Brian Mancly Lisâ—â—ran Fâ—restan Languines Abies Talanque Agries and many others who came to their aid who being arived the Pagans retreated and so the two Queens Lisvart and Perion were remounted not without great losse on both sides And these two Armies did fight so valiantly that had it not been sor the night which separated them there had not one escaped In the meane time the King of Jerusalem with his troope used all diligence to take the City and after he had prepared all things in diligence he went with fiftie thonsand chosen Souldiers to fire the Gates but bravely repulsed by a Sally which was made by Gasquilon King of Suesse Bruneo the son of Balan Angriole L' Estrevaux Sarquiles and a great number of Knights and others who behaved themselves so well that the King was taken Prisoner more then six thousand Palestines defeated ten Elephants overthrowne and seven or eight thousand Ladders broken in peeces Nevertheless a good part of the wall was at last thrown down by force of their Rams and other Engines When the Pagans ran directly to the Bulwarke and there they fought hand to hand puting those within well nigh out of breath if the Emperor had not then arvived but at his arivall he did performe such deeds of Armes that he stopped his enemies and made them somewhat retire You have now heard what was done on the Land now it remaineth to tell you what was done at Sea Norandell and the Earle Frandalo coming neere to the Kings of Bugie of Giloffe gave signe of Battell to their souldiers and they had so faire a winde that at their arivall they did much hurt to the Turks by their Lances of fire and Granadoes wherewith fiftie Vessells were spoiled presently And the Dukes of Ortilensâ— and Alastre did make it evidently appeare with what affection they served their Master And the Apes that were in the great Ship that brought Amadis and those of the Firme Island This nimble beast as is well knowne who were about two thousand in number did get a top of the Ship and did continually shoot arrowes in such great abundance that it was as thick as haile and they were so nimble that none could come at them to offend them But the conclusion of this fierce battell was thus that in lesse then an houres space there was more then five hundred Vessells of the Enemies suncke but this was not done without the losse of many good Christians During these passages the Emperour of Râ—me and the King of Sardâ—ine Don Florestan who were appointed to set upon the Enemies baggage seeing them somewhat disheartned set upon them and put them in such disorder that that was one cause why the enemies lost the battell Who finding themselves so hotly charged both before and behinde that some fled and others thought to rally againe which was impossible for the Queenes Pintiquinestra and Calafea with their women gave them so much to doe that the Emperor of Trebisâ—nd Dardarie King of Breigne and many others that followed them said that they never law better warriers And as they traversed through the Ranks they found out Amadis Esplandian Perion Lisvart and most part of the Knights of great Britaine and Gaule amongst a Squadron of Persians who were rouâ—ed and fled with their Souldans Taborlanes Califs and others both foot and horse But there was a great slaughter in such manner that the blood covered the fields just like the overflowing of a River in the time of a flood and had it not been for the obscure night there had not been one of the Enemies saved Then Amadis commanded to sound the retreat hoping the next day to pursue their good fortune Those who gave the assault to the Towne had won it had it not been that one reported to them that the battell was lost wherefore being seized with cold feare they retired in bad order Which the Emperor knowing he chased them so that he did slay ten thousand of them then being constrained to leave the Chase by reason of the dark they entred into the City resolving to pursue their enterprize so soon as day should appear But it was not the determination of those that fled for
Knight armed at all points who said to him Infamous Rascall you shall repent the time that you entred into this Castle Ah wicked fellow said the Solitary Knight art thou he who forcest Damsells At these words they charged one another and the Combate lasted so long between them that in the end he of the Castle had the worst and lost his life Which they of the Castle seeing did all submit themselves unto him then the old woman came who did make great lamentations for the death of the Knight who was her son but in the conclusion she threw down the keyes of the Prisons where her Prisoners were and two of her servants went downe into the Prisons and fetched them up who had been Prisoners there for the space of eighteen years and had not in all that time seen the day light The Captives beeing come before him and he having put off his Helmet they fell down at his feet and because he did much resemble his Grandfather Amadis two of the Company took for Amadis and said to him Ah Seigneur Amadis the succour and aid of all disconsolate ones you are arived here in very good time My friends answered he you are mistaken I am not Amadis neither did I ever see him Sir said one of them I doe beleeve that he is older but I am confident that you are kin to him And who are you said the Solitary I am said he Gastiles Nephew to the Emperor of Constantinople and this other is Tartarie his Admirall The Solitary Knight had formerly heard of them but it was supposed that they had been dead twentie years before wherefore he said to them my friend I am very joyfull that I have delivered you out of prison for the sake of the Emperour And as they were thus discoursing the old woman came who having heard them talk of the Emperor who was the man in the world that she hated most she made a great complaint however said she I will content my selfe for the good and noble King Armato doth now besiege Constantinople and is ready to conquer it In good faith Madam answered the Solitary Knight the Army of the King of whom you speak hath been defeated and he himselfe is dead and the rest of his Army is fallen into the hands of this Emperour your great Enemy Oh ye Gods said the old woman what is this that I hear I will not live after that most puissant King Armato then she took her sons sword and set it to her breast and fell thereon and so sell down dead At which they all laughted and that which encreased their laughter they saw the Damsell who caused the Solitary Knight to come to the Castle come forth and with great force throw her self into the water where she was soon devoured by Crocodiles and such other gentle birds who repaired thither Then the Solitary demanded of one of them what was this old womans name and how she came to take so many Knights Sir answered he she was neice to the King Armato and Ladie of this Isle called the Isle of the Lake of Serpents and so called for the great number of such beasts who are nourished in this water and from thence came this great Serpent who lies dead there who did much damage unto this Country untill our Lady by the meanes of her Aunt Melea found the meanes to enclose the beast where you found it And for the ill will she bore to the Emperor she used all meanes by the help of the Damsell to take all Christian Knights whereby many were killed by the Serpent B◠my head said the Solitary Knight I never heard of the like wickedness Then he asked Gastiles if he had been served so yes truly said he and we have continued here above seventeen years in great miserie and calamity having but little to eat and that little but bad Thus he through their perswasions stayed there all that night when the next morning he told Gastiles that he would depart and desired him seeing the old woman was so great an Enemy of the Emperour to let the Emperour have the place as for himselfe he could not tell what to doe with any possession Then he telling Gastiles that his name was the Solitary Knight departed and victualling his barque and taking one of the best horses he entred thereinto and the barque began to saile of it self CHAP. XXXIII How Gastiles and Tartarie embarqued to goe to Constantinople to carry the head of the Serpent THe Solitary Knight being departed Gastiles and Tartarie with the help of the Inhabitants of the place drew the Serpent up out of the vault having provided themselves of a ship they intreated the others who had been prisoners there to looke to the Island whilest they went to Constantinople and they taking the head of the Serpent along with them departed and set said 〈◊〉 Thrace where they arived the eighth day after when they arived at Constantinople they landed and went directly to the Palace being followed by much people where they found the Emperour Esplandian and they cast themselves down at his feet But he soon took them up not knowing them but when he and the rest knew them they were all very joyfull and they declared unto the Emperor the manner of their Inlargement by the meanes of the Solitary Knight The Emperor hearing them speak of the Solitary Knight of whom Alquefa had before spoken did much marvell who it might be and did say that he was the best Knight in the world After that the Empresse Leonorina had seen Gastiles Esplandian sent him to the old Emperor who he knew would be very joyfull to see him and in the mean time Esplandian recounted unto the Empresse all that he had understood of the Solitary Knight wherefore the Empresse said unto him I am perswaded that this is our son and that makes him not discover himselfe Madam answered the Emperor I doe not think so he went without any armes neverthelesse be he who he will be as for my part I account him the valiantest Knight in the world Alquefa was there at that time present and therefore she desired the Emperour to let her have the head of the Serpent whereby she might carry it to Trebisond that they might see the Prowesse of the Solitary Knight which desire the Emperour granting she presently set saile for Trebisond CHAP. XXXIV How the Solitary Knight sailing on the Sea was by fortune cast at the foot of a Rock wherein Amadis Oriana and others were prisoners whom he delivered THe Solitary Knight was so driven by a Tempest after his departure from the Isle of Serpents that one munday morning he arived at the foot of a great Isle where he saw a ship and many Mariners and Souldiers dead floating on the waves Wherefore he resolved to land and taking forth his horse hee took his Lance Sheild and Helmet and set forwards untill he heard a voice saying pitifully Oh sovereign God! How is
had any thing now to say to which he answered no but onely he desired to have safety for his Masters if the Combate were accepted of that they might come to the place appointed Lisvart being present desired the King to let him be one of the three and to suffer him to choose the other two which the King granted Lisvart chosing his Unckle Porion and Olorius of Spaine and the place of the Combate was appointed to be at Trebisond six moneths after that day These things being agreed upon the Messenger departed and the sixth day following Lisvart Perion and Olorius departed accompanied with Alquefa Adariel and Elinie these Knights had Vermillion Armes they being on the Sea soon lost sight of Brittaine and the other strange Princes who had been at the Court of King Amadis likewise departed amongst whom there were the Queens Pintiquinestra and Calafea who being arived with their husbands in the Isle of Californus found Ialanque and King Garinter who were come thither to see them where after some small stay Garinter made a present of the kingdome of Jugurte to Mancly but Quedragant who was passionately in love with Elisenna remained in great Brittaine where he soon after married her And as for the Empresse of Rome she returned into Italie where being arived the Emperour dispatched Ambassadors towards Amadis with express charge to demand the Infanta Brisenna for Pinerpie which the King and Oriana willingly agreed to in such sort that she being arived at Viterbe the Marriage was solemnized Thus Amadis remained with very little Companie so that being one day at the chase he heard a voice which called Knight of the Green Sword when he looked about he saw nothing but soon after he heard himselfe called Gentleman of the Sea and faire forlorne and not knowing from whence this voice should come he heard himselfe called Grecian Knight By God said he to himselfe I am much called upon wherefore he rod on further thinking of the strange mobilities of fortune that had happened to him and riding on his horse slipt down and in rising againe he saw a young childe which seemed to be about three years old who said to him Amadis what doe you think on so much I tell you that one shall come very suddenly who shall rob thee of what thou hast and thou and all thy lineage shall die by his hands he had no sooner said thus but he vanished and Amadis resolved to reveale this to none and presently after lighting on his huntsmen which he had left he returned to the Town of Fenuse CHAP. LII How Lisvart and his Companions were cast by Tempest in to Spaine and of the Succour which they gave to King Don Brian of Moniaste against King Miramamolin LIsvart and his Company being departed from Fenuse the tempest was so great that they all thought they should perish And after they had floated on the waves for the space of one moneth and a halfe their Vessell was cast on the Port of Carthage which being known by the Mariners they were very joyfull and thereupon they purposed to stay there untill it should be more caâ—me wherefore they sent their servants unto the Town to seek Victualls who being returned reported to the Knights that they had heard it published from the King of Spaine that all those that could bear armes should within fifteen dayes repaire to the Citie of Tolette And said they had enquired whither they were to goe and we were told that Miramamolin King of Marveces accompanied with ten other Kings as well Africans as Arabians were â—entred Spaine and have already forced many Cities in revenge of the death of King Armato and they doe now besiege Cordove with very great force This news being heard by these Knights they all purposed to aid King Brian in the battell unknown and so if the King had the better to depart unknown and therefore they left Alquefa in the ship with the Mariners and went into the Town And then taking their armes they went towards Cordove and they made so much expedition that within eight dayes they arived at the Spanish Camp where they carried themselves as closely as they could and the Army being come neer to their enemies the King Brian set his Army in readiness to assaile his enemies and so did the King Miramamolin when after they had encouraged their souldiers to fight and were readie to joyne battell there arived a Herald from King Brian to Miramamolin who said to him Sir the most mighty and redoubted Prince Don Brian of Moniaste my Sovereigne King and Lord sends me to you to command you to depart his Country otherwise he is resolved to give you battell without taking any of you to mercy Miramamolin being somewhat stirred up with this Message answered without delay Herald returne to thy Master and tell him that I am not come hither for that purpose to returne without fighting and that I fear not the threats of those whom I make account to vanquish and that I will have him at my mercy before it be night yet But it happened otherwise for the Herald had no sooner taken leave of him but they began to skirmish on both parts and so they continued untill night when they were forced to leave hoping to begin the next morning CHAP. LIII How the two Hosts met and of the aid which Lisvart and his Companions gave to the King of Spaine ALl that night the two Camps watched diligently and about the break of day they dislodged marching against one another with great fury Lisvart and his Companions had hid themselves untill they came to break Lances and then these five unknown Knights entred into the battalion of the Africans which was under the command of the King Fez and at their arivall they dismounted five of the bravest that they met which the Earl Medine seeing was very joyfull and crying Spaine Spaine entred with his Trooppell-mell where they were so well received that on both sides there was thrown down more then a thousand who never stirred any more There Lisvart Perion Olorius Elinie and Adariell performed marvells leaving in all places where they came great testimonie of their great Prowesse and Chivalry King Brian himselfe acted wonders for the renown of his name and freedome and good of his Country so that after a long and terrible fight the Pagans were forced to retreat their King Miramamolin being slaine by the hands of Brian and Adariell and most of the Giants and Kings of the Pagans being vanquished and killed the Pagans being put to flight could not run so well but six thousand of them remained Prisoners and the rest passed under the edge of the Sword the night gave an end to the pursuit and by the darkness thereof the five Knights had good opportunity and meanes to retire unto an adjoyning Castle where the Lord thereof honored them and kindely welcomed them There they abode untill their wounds were healed and then they departed to
anger that he held his peace and arose and went to Armatoes tent and awaked him to tell him of the folly of his daughter And as he gave him the good morrow Armato asked him what good news he brought him so soon Ah sir said he rather what misfortunes How said Armato So the King told him of the loss of Lisuart and the whole enterprize of Gradafilea Oh yee Gods cryed Armato have I so highly offended you that I deserve so great a punishment then in great choller he commanded the King to flie from his presence for said he there shall none of you depart this Country without suffering death and perpetuall captivitie Armato cryed so loud that Melia who was lodged in the next Pavillion heard the noise wherefore she arose in her smock and went to the King who was much displeased but she was more when she understood the cause she having knowne of Lisvarts flight began to tear her haire and her smock and her very flesh This noise being heard of some and they thinking their enemies had surprized them they cried the Alarnm that on a suddain all the field was in armes So the Souldans of Persia and Alapa came to Armato to know what was the matter and when they knew the cause as wise men by fair speeches they found the meanes to appease Armato and Melia telling them that they might be the cause of frightning the whole Army For said these Lords seeing that it is the pleasure of our Gods what will you doe will you contend with Jupiter doe you think he will doe any thing but for our good and it may be we have offended him Therefore let us goe to him and appease him with our prayers and not anger him more You may say what you please said Armato but the Rogue that had the keeping of him shall die and also she that conducted him Sir said the Souldan of Persia you have to deal with men he is come without intreatie or sending for from a far Country and hath carried himselfe as every one knowes it may be when he hath been heard to speak he will be found more innocent then you thinke for therefore let him be heard then if he hath offended he may be punished by the advice of the Princes of this Camp and it may be of his own men These Lords of Persia and Alapa did so much that they somewhat appeased the King Armato and Melia And in the meane time the Camp continued in forme of Battel whereupon it happened that they who went the Rounds on the City walls heard the noise of the Trumpets in the aire It was as then but at the point of day wherefore doubting they should be surprized and that the enemies would storme the place they suddenly advertised the Emperor the Knight of the Sphere and the principal Captains who ran hastily to their charge and remained there untill Sun-rising when they saw the Pagans retire The Emperor did not then know any thing of the returne of his Son but soon after Perion brought him to him and with a grace said to him in presenting him Sir the last night I took this Spie what is your pleasure shall be done with him You may well imagine if the good Prince were well pleased for the tears fell from his eyes in imbracing him During these passages Languines and Abies of Ireland came who imbraced him and asked him what good Angel had brought him thither Then the Emperor asked of him how he came thither and from whence he came Then Lisvart recited to him his whole passed fortunes since Gradafilea carried him from Trebisond untill that present and said he the Alarum which you have heard hath been onely for my loss Oh God! said the Emperor let us goe to the Empress for I am certain she will be very glad of this good news Then he took Lisvart by the â—and and went to the Empress whom they met going to Masse but she stayed when she saw the Emperor who presented Lisvart unto her saying Madam doe you know this Gentleman This is your son said she who may account this adventure the strangest and dangerousest that can happen in all his life Praised be God! said the Empresse And kissing him a thousand times she would not suffer him to goe out of her sight untill it was dinner time and then he related to them all that which had happened in the Army of the Pagans and part of their Counsels And so falling from one discourse to another the Tables being withdrawn he spake to Perion saying Sir my Unckle and I departed from this Country as it is well knowne to goe in search of you who was reported to be lost And my chiefest purpose was to be made Knight at your hands not knowing of whom better to have the same you being brother to my Father and Son to my Grandfather Amadis Therefore let me intreat you to let me obteine this honour at your hands to morrow and that without the City Gates that thereby the enemies may see it and of which they will be very sad Sir said Perion there where the Emperor is present I may lawfully be excused of your request The Emperor will pardon me if he pleaseth and I will humbly intreat him to intreat you on my behalfe I pray let it be so said the Emperor Seeing that it pleaseth you both said Perion I will to morrow doe what lies in me to performe therefore I pray said he prepare your selfe and watch this night as is the custome Lisvart kindely thanked him then night being come he entred into the Chappel and accompanied with many high persons he remained at his Orisons untill the Sun arose CHAP. XVIII How Lisvart received the Order of Knighthood and of the great mervails and adventures that happened the same day LISVART having watched as it is the custome the Emperor came to him in the Chappel being accompanied with the Knight of the Sphere two Giants and many other great persons And the time being come for the accomplishing of this enterprize which was to be done without the Citie gates he commanded the Souldiers to stand to their Armes and be ready on the wall least the Enemy should during the solemnity assaile them And the Emperor kept onely twentie thousand men for his own Guard then he caused the Gate to be opened and close to it was erected a high Theatre upon which he ascended with Lisvart the Knight of the Sphere and Argamont and the Ladies stand upon the wall where they could see all that was done The Pagans seeing so great a company of people they gathered together more to look on them then to assaile them Then Lisvart kneeled on his knees before Perion who gave him the Order but when he came to gird on his Sword they found that it had been forgotten nevertheless that did not hinder them a jot for the Emperor bethought himself that with a better he could not begin to doe deeds
during this Combate none of our Campe shall stir to hurt or damage you on condition that you doe the like on your part of which we will have assurance and promise sworne as it is reasonable This writing being read before all the Assembly Armato spoke for them all and said to Carmella Damsell indeed we did expect no answer and you may informe them upon my honour that during the Combate there shall not a man in my Campe stir to help us or endamage them and let the victory remaine where it shall please fortune After Carmella had taken the assurance requisite she returned to the Campe of the Christians where she then found these Lords together To whom she related the resolution of the whole matter Then they after some conference departed out of the Tent and mounted on horseback to goe visit the Ladies whom the Emperor of Trebisond had not seene since his arival They being then entred the Town entring into the Palace the two Empresses mother and daughter and the Queene Oriana and all the rest went before to receive the Emperor of Trebisond then being conducted into the great Hall they discoursed of many things in such manner that it happened that the Kings of Hungaria and Cildadan who discoursed with Oriana about the Combate that was to be the next day between two Christian Knights and Calafea against the two Pagans and the Pintiquinestra Which so much daunted the good Lady that she changed colour in short time two or three times doubting that some mishap might happen to her Lord wherefore she said what reason is there that he should trie himselfe having so often tried his person already he hath sons that may doe in his stead But they had not Iong discovered when a Spie came from the Enemies Campe to advertise the Emperor of Constantinople that the enemies had sent Irish men to the King of Giloffe and Bugie to enterprize the Christians whilest the two Camps remained at the Combate which Armato had demanded And for this cause these Lords were forced to leave talking with these women and enter into Counsell where they concluded that the Duke of Ortilensa the Earle of Alastre and the Prince Alarin should have the charge of the Vessels of Trebisond with twentie thousand fighting men besides those that were already in them And that the Earle Frandalo and Norandell should likewise take care of those that they had brought from the Defended Mountaine and as for the rest they were lookt unto as occasion required Then they sent to the Captaines and Souldiers that every man should stand on his guard telling then what they had heard to the end they might not be surprized nevertheless this information was false It is very true that the Pagans had questioned such a treason but it was broken by Almanix of Liquea a gentle Prince and Loyall Knight who would in no wise consent thereunto in respect of the oath made to Carmella A few dayes after these two Sea Armies encountred one another and there was such a fight that the like was never knowne in the Levant Countrie CHAP. XXIII How the Emperor of Trebisond Amadis and the Queene Calafea fought with the Kings Armato Grifflant and the Queen Pintiquinestra THe Emperor of Trebisond and those who accompanied him having given the good night to the Ladies retired for that evening into their Pavillions untill the next morning when they were to fight as it had been agreed on They slept not all the night but watched continually in devout prayers praying God to grant unto them that which should be most for his honor and glorie Then at break of day Amadis sent to the Captaines of the Army praying them that each of them should keepe his men in readiness to resist the Enemies if by chance they should stir breaking the promise which they had made together And soone after the Message was solemnly celebrated by the Patriarke of Constantinople which being done Aâ—quefa gave to each of them a harnesse like to those which she had presented us from her father to the Knights of the Firme Island wherewith they armed themselves and mounting on their horses they were conducted to the place assigned for the Combate The old Emperor of Constantinople carried the Emperor of Trebisonds Lance and Esplandian carried his Helmet Arquifil Emperor of Rome Amadis his Lance and Galoar his Helmet Lisvart carried the Queen Calafeas Lance and the Knight of the Sphere her Helmet They being thus furnished and accompanied with a great number of Kings and valiant Knights entred the field which was neere the City that the Ladies who sate upon the Fort could not onely see the Combate but also hear the talke of the Combatants So the three Pagans being well accompanied came soone after and this day Armato did weare a black harnesse riding on a black horse in testimony of the grief which he had for the death of Melia his sister The Souldans of Alape and Persia served him as Squires the one carrying his Lance and the other his Helmet The King Grifftant was armed to the contrary with green armes and Serpents with two heads seperated from their bodies and did ride on a great Horse the fiercest that could bee seen And he had not this device without cause for in his younger years he had fought with a Serpent and valiantly killed it to the great profit of the Country wherein he dwelt Almenice brother to the Souldan of Liquea carried his Lance and the King of Jerusalem his Helmet The Queen Pintiquinestra sitting on a Turkish velvet harness with frenge of Gold and in her shield was figured a dead Giant representing the Victory which she had sometimes had over a neighbour of hers the greatest man was to be found in his time And this Queen was so dextrous on horsebacke that none would have accounted of her otherwise then of an accomplished brave Knight so long as she had her Helmet on hâ—r head but when it was on her beautie was so great that it would move the greatest man in the world to desire it The King of the Giant Island carried her Speare and the Infaâ—tâ— Gradafilea her Helmet Thus these brave warriours â—ntrâ—d the field with a noise of Trumpets And they â—uâ— thâ—msâ—lves in readinesse to encounter one another and met together with so marvellous a force that without failing they stroke right against one another and their staves stew up in peeces into the aire and so they met with bodies Shields and heads so fiercely that they fell downe in the field except the Queen Calafea who was forced to bow with the shake They who were the Spectators of this first encounter did verily think that Amadis was wounded to death for he had a trunchion of a lance in his shield which put Oriana into such a feare that she had well nigh swouned but she soone saw him on his feet and march on bravely towards his enemie who was likewise got up And as Amadis